By Twink Jones Gadama
The proposed age bill, which seeks to bar individuals over the age of 80 from contesting for the presidency, has sparked intense debate in Malawi.
Proponents of the bill argue that it’s not targeting anyone.
However, critics, including the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), claim that the bill is a deliberate attempt to block former President Peter Mutharika, who is 84, from contesting in the 2025 elections.
The DPP has condemned the proposed bill, describing it as a threat to democracy and a violation of human rights.
The party’s Secretary General, Peter Mukhito, argued that the bill seeks to manipulate electoral eligibility and exclude political opponents.
He cited Article 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which guarantees citizens the right to vote and be elected without unreasonable restrictions.
On the other hand, the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has denied allegations that the bill is targeting Mutharika.
The party’s spokesperson, Jessie Kabwila, acknowledged that Mutharika is “indeed old” but maintained that the bill is not aimed at him personally.
The proposal has also been criticized by legal experts, who argue that it has no public benefit but rather targets particular individuals in political circles.
The Malawi Law Society (MLS) president, Patrick Mpaka, stated that proposals to change laws such as the presidential age limit should come through a proper public bill, not a private member’s bill.
The High Court of Malawi recently dismissed an application by DPP Member of Parliament Mary Thom Navicha, who sought an injunction against the Speaker of the National Assembly to stop Parliament from debating and passing the proposed legislation.
The court ruled that the application was improperly filed and should have been brought through a judicial review.
As the debate rages on, it’s clear that the proposed age bill has become a contentious issue in Malawi’s political landscape.
While proponents argue that it’s a necessary measure to ensure that the presidency is held by someone with the energy and vitality to serve the nation effectively, critics see it as a ploy to bar Mutharika from contesting in the 2025 elections.
Ultimately, the fate of the proposed age bill will depend on the outcome of the parliamentary debate and the court’s decision on its constitutionality. One thing is certain, however: the bill has ignited a heated debate about the future of Malawi’s leadership and the role of age in determining a person’s suitability for the presidency.
